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Granderson open to contract extension

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TAMPA, Fla. -- Curtis Granderson has not heard from the Yankees about a contract extension, but he is open to having the conversation.

Granderson, 31, is eligible for free agency after this season. The center fielder had a $15 million option picked up by the Yankees in October, and Granderson said that he would be interested in staying in New York beyond this year.

"Oh, definitely. I'd be a fool not to," Granderson said. "It's been a great organization, it's been a great team. I've enjoyed my three seasons here; I'm so excited about this fourth season, and hopefully this season isn't the last one."

Granderson was acquired from the Tigers in a three-team trade prior to the 2010 season, and he has batted a combined .247 with 108 home runs and 292 RBIs over his three seasons with the Yanks.

Last week, managing general partner Hal Steinbrenner revealed that the club has had preliminary discussions about an extension for second baseman Robinson Cano.

Granderson said that he hasn't heard anything similar from his agent, but with his first crack at free agency ahead, the future has crossed Granderson's mind.

"I asked a couple guys about it last year, [Nick] Swisher and CC [Sabathia], when he did it coming over," Granderson said. "But I really don't know what to do about it. The only things I can do is control the things I can, get myself ready for this season, and that's what I'm going to try to do -- go out there, have fun, prepare hard, work hard and leave it all out there."

Last season, Granderson led the Yankees with a career-high 43 home runs, batting .232 with 102 runs scored and 106 RBIs in 160 games.

Granderson also set a franchise record with 195 strikeouts, and while he isn't exactly fretting about that number, he recognizes there is room for improvement.

"I've had some people say that I strike out too much," Granderson said. "But then I say, 'What's the good number?' Is there a good number? There isn't.

"Hopefully, if I can just get a little more consistent, hopefully not get to two strikes as much, be a little more aggressive, then I think it's going to translate to some good things."